Ohio Valley residents already know the importance of getting out and voting, no matter how high- (or low-) profile the election may be.

Decisions that affect our daily lives should not be made by the handful of people who cast their ballots in even the smallest of off-year elections.

But Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose issued an important reminder in the closing days of 2024. There will be a 2025 election cycle, no matter how tired we are of politics and campaigning. We must not shirk our responsibilities.

LaRose’s office noted there were 23 local races in Ohio that triggered automatic recounts in November. Of those, three issues ended in a tie vote, three contests were determined by three votes, and three contests came down to ONE vote.

“Never let anyone tell you a single vote doesn’t matter, which is why we continue to make sure it is both easy to vote and hard to cheat in the Buckeye State,” LaRose said.

“While the focus is often on the top of the ticket, local elections can have a big impact in communities across Ohio. By doing our part to protect the vote, we are also protecting your voice to ensure the outcome accurately reflects the will of the community.”

If the folks in Columbus and at county boards of elections are doing their part, we must do ours. Given the historically low interest in off-year elections, the chances are even greater that local decisions will be made by the tiniest of margins in 2025.

May 6, 2025, is approaching more quickly than we might realize. Be sure you are properly registered to vote, and be ready to become informed and participate in the decision-making for your community and state.

You never know whether YOUR vote might make the difference.